More salmon are being seen in the River Wye

The River Wye was once among the best known salmon rivers in the world, but has seen a down turn in fortune with the loss of habitat for the fish living there.

Last year a trust devoted to bringing the salmon back to the river secured funds to improve the water way.

It has now been reported that in one weekend in May, more salmon were caught there than during an entire season last year.

In November, the Wye and Usk Foundation secured a �1.5 million bid under the European Regional Development Fund to turn around the fortunes of the river.

It removed blockages from the tributaries where the salmon spawn, and cut back vegetation to allow sunlight to promote the growth of the bugs that baby fish eat.

Fences also keep cattle and sheep out of the stream, which gives the natural vegetation a chance to grow and provide more cover, food and shade for the fish.

Anthony Judd is a fisherman, and is one of 50,00 people who have come to Wales to fish this year.

"I've been to India, Norway and Ireland, but nothing quite beats coming here on the Wye." he said.

Salmon could bring �12 million to the rural economy

"It's within two and a half hours from where I live, and there is always a good chance of catching a fish."

"We've seen some extremely large fresh fish out in that pool, and there's always the chance we might catch one."

Stephen Marsh Smith is the director of the foundation and is very pleased with their progress so far.

"The Usk and Wye together could perhaps deliver as much as �12 million to the rural economy." he said.

"That's not the value of the fish, but the money generated from the people who come here and spend money."